The top of the foot is very susceptible to metatarsal fractures because it has very little soft tissue protection.  The injury can be caused by direct trauma or forces that rotate the foot too far.

Additional information about metatarsal fractures:

• The foot appears swollen, bruised and tender to the touch in a metatarsal fracture, creating excruciating pain and presenting difficulty with walking.
• Because of poor blood supply, the base of the metatarsal will heal slowly or possibly not at all.
• The area between the base of the metatarsal and the shaft can create the most problems during a metatarsal fracture because the area does not receive adequate blood supply.
• Surgical fixation is often recommended for a fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal because it heals poorly and can cause nonunion.  A small incision on the outside of the foot is made during surgery and a small screw is inserted down the middle of the fractured bone.
• A removable cast is usually used in a metatarsal fracture because it allows for physiotherapy treatment which prevents stiffness in the ankle joint.  A non-weight bearing cast will be required for 6-8 weeks for the foot.
• Pain control can be monitored with ice therapy and prescribed pain medication.  The Aircast Ankle & Foot Cryo/Cuff is recommended because it simultaneously provides ice therapy and compression, reducing foot pain and swelling.
• Nerve damage or temporary nerve pressure can cause “pins and needles” sensation which will need to be investigated to determine treatment.
• Complications including nonunion, delayed union, malunion, secondary osteoarthritis and reflex sympathetic dystrophy can occur in metatarsal fractures.

Early diagnosis and avoidance of weight bearing are vital to prevent complications in a metatarsal fracture.

If you have been involved in an accident due to another person’s negligent behavior and you are suffering from a metatarsal fracture, you may be entitled to claim compensation to pay for medical expenses, pain and suffering, physical therapy and claim lost wages.

Tarshish Cody PLC is Minnesota’s premier personal injury law firm and our attorneys have represented many clients suffering from metatarsal fractures and have assisted them with claiming the compensation they deserve.

We welcome your call today at 612-808-8999 (or fill out the free Case Evaluation Form) to help you through the legal issues of your case.

Attorneys Practicing In This Area

Benjamin Tarshish

Kyle Kosieracki

Traci Vercande

Staff Supporting This Area

Julie Rosales